Geograph - photograph every grid square

A must-visit place in Staffordshire. In part of the National Forest, this 60ha of arboretum, parkland and paths is Britain's living tribute to those who have given service and sacrifice, and in many cases their lives, for our freedom. It is a place of remembrance and contemplation, and also celebration of those who gave so much in many conflicts. As well as the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness there is the Armed Forces Memorial, four separate zones for memorials to specific units, organizations and events [about 150 so far, with more in the pipeline], as well as the normal facilities provided at such visitor attractions [place of pilgrimage might be a better term]. The site has been turned from a flat, featureless plain by the River Tame, that had been extracted for sand and gravel, into a new landscape that will grow and develop over many decades as the trees mature. Link

Last February my sister visited the National Memorial Arboretum for the first time. Knowing my love of memorials she booked a holiday nearby for our family in August. What we hadn't realised was that Prince Charles and Camilla were coming to head up a 75th anniversary commemoration of the end of hostilities in the far east. We got in as soon as it opened and stayed all day. I still missed a few! One of the best days of my life...